New Commercial Glaze Testing

Purchased samples of commercial glazes to test out (Coyote and Amaco). Both recommend firing to cone 5 or 6. I have a very small kiln and have had multiple glaze firing problems in the past. My question, 5 or 6 to test?

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Purchased samples of commercial glazes to test out (Coyote and Amaco). Both recommend firing to cone 5 or 6. I have a very small kiln and have had multiple glaze firing problems in the past. My question, 5 or 6 to test?

I'd suggest following your clay body -- if you are using a cone six clay body, then fire to cone 6 as that is the temperature where you will get a mature and vitrified clay body. If your clay body is cone 5, then fire to cone 5. You could also do test firings at both cones and compare. I've used some Coyote glazes and fire them to cone 6 and like the results. I saw more variation in thickness -- two coats vs. three coats. You'll just need to experiment and see what works for your clay body.